Great Eaters in Central Athens
I personally think it’s a daunting task to recommend the right restaurant-taverna in Athens or any where else for that matter, therefore for you, I have choosen a number of restaurants-tavernas in no particular order, with a varied menu, different styles, many with life music and I am convinced that at least one of them will be your favourite in Athens, perhaps one of the traditional underground eaters.
Απολαμβάνω
Psyrri Historic Center of Athens
To taste good to excellent Greek food in the heart of Athens, I would start in the vibrant Psyrri centers on Iroon Square, whose surrounding streets have eateries offering meze and live music, including rembetika (Greek blues). Bars with DJs stay open late.
The lively Monastiraki
An area known for it’s iconic landmarks including the ruins of Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Agora and more. Visit the Flea Market a great mix of shops, fabrics, handmade sandals and more. The surrounding area and streets are full of traditional tavernas and restaurants, several with Acropolis views. Monastiraki border Plaka area.
Plaka
The famous neighbourhood of Plaka is a top attraction for visitors. Picturesque streets, historic landmarks, shops and is lively and full of vibes area. It can be be crowded.
If you want to taste Greek food then a good place to visit is the Espirides cafe-restaurant. Eating delicious greek salads, well prepare beef and sea-food platters, Tasteful porkchops and Mousaka.
Very helpful and cheerful staff. Roof terrace. Live music is often performed in the evening.
Located in the popular and charming Plaka area.
Atmospharic traditional taverna located “under” the Acropolis in the beautiful Plaka. Several buildings with terraces on both sides of the street.
Enjoy traditional cousine here, Snacks/appetizers, tasty Greek salads, Fresh fish, try the Dorada. There is delicious Veal with eggplant in tomato sauce. Vegetarian choices are also available.
In the evenings, Live Greek Bouzouki music
Oinopoleion is a traditional Greek restaurant and wine shop since 1928. Owned by a local Attican winery, features only wines made by Markou Vineyards.
Located close to Panormou Tube station close by, (metro line 3).
Great menu includes extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, seasonal vegetables and salads try their own version of Tabbouleh salad. Tomato keftedes (Whole fried tomato) soft and cheesy on the inside. Fresh fish and meat. Good wine list. Treat yourself to their Retsina.
Traditional Greek music (Rebetika) on some nights of the week.
The restaurant consists of two rooms. The "Lithos" hall and the "Mesogeios" hall. During the summer months, enjoy your dinner outside on the pedestrian street.
Renowned for delicious Mediterranean Greek food. Vegetarian choices available. Excellent and friendly staff.
Lovely Greek salads, Try Tiropita (a specialite from Skopelos Island). Seafood pasta, Grilled Octopus, Fresh fish like Sea bass filets. Tasty pork dishes, Lamb shank. Fresh, nice desserts. Good wine list.
The family run restaurant Attikos Greek House opened in 1972, known over the years for its friendly staff and good Greek traditional “home” cooking.
Another great asset is the excellent view of the Acropolis and surrounding areas.
Variety of starters/appetizer, like traditional termosalata. Feta cheese with figs. Main course, try the Delicious Moussaka. Pasta dishes. Lamb is a speciality. Good wine list.
It’s recommended to make a reservetion. Moderate prices.
Klimataria Taverna
This is a classic Greek taverna with barrels of wine in the indoor seating area.
The home-cooked food will give you a taste of some of Greece’s most classic recipes, from Gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers) to slow-cooked lamb.
The live Greek music is also a great reason to come here. Bands set up on a stage in front of the wine barrels and play well into the night.
Diners often get up and dance
Klimataria is located just behind City Hall on Platia Theatrou.
Dioskouroi (Instagram)
Close to the Museum of the Ancient Agora less than 5 minutes stroll. No web site. Address Adrianou 37-39, Athina 105 55, Greece Phone: +30 21 0325 3333
Nice Greek and Mediterranean dishes here. Try the fresh Greek salads, meat dishes like lamb , pork and chicken souvlaki, they also serve vegetarian options.
Live music
There are two Dioskouroi, This one here on the pedestrian street close to the Ancient Agora.
The other is tucked on a slope on the side streets of Plaka, with nice views.
In the picturesque area of Plaka, located in a beautifully neoclassical building is the home of The Old Tavern of Psarras allegedly open since 1898.
Traditional Greek menu, try Fava a traditional appetizer or Melted Feta cheese with honey. Main course selection includes slowly cooked lamb, Souvlaki chicken, seafood with pasta.
Nice wine, if you have not tried it before, Retsina very Greek taste. Good dessert selection. Good service, friendly staff.
This is a different food experience it’s a Byzantine pastomageireio, a taverna and delicatessen in one, and set in a neoclassical house at 1, Sokratous,
Exclusive variety of aged cheese, other specialties include cured, seasoned aged ham, sausages among other fine cold-cuts. They do vacuum packaging, to give you the opportunity to bring home a culinary taste from Greece.
In the table service area,
tasty traditional regional dishes, like fried aubergine and zucchini in a Cappadocian sauce or saganaki cheese served with a dried meat called pastourma, beef sausage and eggs.
Koutoukia Facebook info
Enter The Underground Tavernas of Athens
I have not had the pleasure to visit any koutouki, but I will next time I stay in Athens, especially after reading Stavros Dioskouridis excellent summary on
Visitors Guide This is Athens, website includes where to find them.
I am sure you will find the story of the backstreet basement tavernas that serve traditional food and drink with a side of Athenian history as interesting as I did.
“Back in the days when it was a Greek cultural norm for women to be occupied primarily with matters of the home, it was customary for men to do their socialising alone.
The kafenio was a favourite venue. Simpler times called for simpler menus and these traditional cafes usually served coffee, Greek spirits like ouzo, raki or tsipouro, and a few small dishes (mezedes). Men hung out talking politics, smoking cigarettes and playing backgammon. This is what the scene would look like until late afternoon, when the kafetzis (the man made the coffee, waited tables, and ruled the roost) closed up shop.
So now where were the gentlemen to go?
Enter the koutouki.”
